James Robert “Rob” Hinman died peacefully at his home in Salem, Illinois, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 16th.  He was 45.

Rob was born January 14, 1980, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, to Jim and Liz (Buhner) Hinman of Mt. Vernon.  He was baptized February 17, 1980, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church by the Rev. George Freidinger.  His steadfast faith remained throughout his life.

He thrived in his true calling at Illinois State University where he was graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.  Called “Happy” by everyone he knew, Rob wrote poetry and short stories.  A dissertation about Edgar Allan Poe won him acclaim by the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore, and he remained a member until his death.

While at ISU, Rob led a campaign in Bloomington for the awareness and support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  The campaign garnered front-page coverage in the Bloomington Pantagraph.

Rob was the driving force behind the band “Battlecat” at ISU and played regularly at various popular night-time spots.  The band was named after the famous horse Battlecat owned by Jim Hinman.  Battlecat was a true winner, and so was Rob.

A graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Vernon, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.  A dear friend of the family, the Reverend Krista Stokke will officiate.  Crouse Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Left to mourn his death are his mother Liz, brother Stephen Hinman, sister Sarah Hinman and her husband Cristian Herrera, and uncle John Buhner. Also left are his dear aunt Linda Lents, uncles Dennis Hinman and Don Hinman and wife Karen and numerous beloved cousins.

His father Jim Hinman preceded him in death as did his grandparents, an aunt and uncle as well as a cousin.

Memorials may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), SSM Hospice Centralia or Save the Elephants. Donations will be accepted at the Crouse Funeral Home in Salem.  Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com